“We need relations with Russia that would be based on mutual respect. There is no controversy between strengthening positions of NATO and cooperation with Russia. Only being strong, we will be able to develop fruitful cooperation”, - claimed Stoltenberg.

Secretary General of NATO said that the Alliance will continue to support Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to help them “better oppose external pressure”.

“We consider holding Russia-NATO council after a long-term freeze in relations, since the time has come”, - pointed out Stoltenberg.

It has been reported earlier that the Alliance decided to restore Russia-NATO council, thus securing political dialogue with the Russian Federation.

Russia-NATO council was terminated in April 2014, stopping military cooperation of the parties. The reasons were annexation of Crimea by Russia and armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.